On Monday, April 19, SAMC and the Kohl’s Cares for Kids Foundation will host an “Ultra Extreme Marathon Day” at Montana Magnet Elementary School, where the students at the school are challenged to run/jog/walk a cumulative distance of 250 miles during the course of one day. The event will start with the first P.E. class at around 8:15 a.m. and local media are invited to attend the event.

Childhood obesity has become an alarming problem in the United States and world wide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 16 percent of children in the United States are considered overweight or obese. These children are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and low-self esteem.

To fight this cause SAMC has teamed up with the Kohl’s Cares for Kids Foundation to create the Kohl’s Kids Fit for Life program. This program promotes healthy lifestyles in the Dothan area and educates children and families on practical ways to make their lives healthier. This 6-class program has been implemented at the Montana Magnet Elementary school’s physical education classes. The topics have included portion sizes, importance of exercise, the food guide pyramid, and more. Each student has been given handouts.

Parents are invited as well to participate in the “Ultra Extreme Marathon Day” with their children during their physical education class.

 

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